WALES is to get its own national poet to reflect the state of the nation.

The post is expected to be filled within a matter of weeks.

It was made possible thanks to a £5,000 lottery grant from The Arts Council of Wales.

The poet will be a cultural ambassador for the nation promoting the image of Wales throughout Britain and beyond.

The grant was awarded to Academi, Wales's literature promotion agency, which will provide the extra £3,000 needed to fund the project.

"Some people might think it to be a waste of money," said Iestyn Davies of The Arts Council of Wales.

"But it is one of several moves geared towards promoting poetry and encouraging people to start writing themselves.

"As a country renowned for its literary heritage it is fitting that Wales should have its own national poet, creating new works that celebrate our successes, comment on our failures and raise the profile of Wales through literature.

"We live in a time of great change and it will be a tremendous challenge for our poet to articulate this," said Mr Davies.

The agency wants to see Wales's poet reflect through verse the country's political and cultural life.

The national poet will also read on ceremonial and official occasions.

"The intention is for a new poet to be appointed on a yearly basis," said Mr Davies.

"It is likely that Welsh and English language poets will alternate every 12 months rather than for there to be an incumbent bilingual poet.

"It is also important to note that poets whose first language might not be Welsh or English are sure to play their part, hence reflecting the diversity we have here in Wales."

The poet, who will work on a part-time basis, will be chosen by an independent panel.

Peter Finch, chief executive of Academi, said: "Wales is as much the land of poets as it is the land of song. The appointment of our first national poet will bear this out."

The announcement came as Academi hosted its annual conference Songs of Freedom which looked at questions of politics, propaganda and freedom of speech.